The All India Football Federation’s bid to host the 2017 U17 World Cup "received a major fillip" on Thursday when the Union Cabinet "gave its approval to the project." According to the agreement, the Central Government will provide Rs. 120 crore ($20.6M) for the venture, including Rs. 95 crore ($16.3M) to State Governments for upgrading the stadiums. The AIFF, in its proposal to the government, "has listed five states for hosting the matches" -- Delhi, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Karnataka and one among Assam, Goa and Kerala (THE HINDU, 6/13). ... McLaren F1 Team Principal Martin Whitmarsh "is not in favour of the F1 calendar being extended to 21 races." Whitmarsh said it will be "tough" for the teams. Next season, New Jersey is expected to make its F1 debut while Russia has a new race "pencilled in." Whitmarsh, though, "reckons that's definitely one event too many" (PLANET F1, 6/13). ... Phuket is "likely to be the venue" for Thailand's first F1 race in '15. Thailand Tourism and Sports Minister Somsak Pureesrisak said, "Phuket should be an ideal venue which meets our target to promote tourism. We still have time to prepare for the race" (BANGKOK POST, 6/13). ... The Russian city of Chelyabinsk "will host" the 2015 World Taekwondo Federation World Championships from Sept. 16-23 (XINHUA, 6/13).